Texas House Reconvenes as Democrats’ Redistricting Boycott Enters Second Week

The Texas House of Representatives will again attempt to meet a quorum Monday, as a redistricting standoff between Republicans and Democrats stretches into its second week.

The conflict began after Democrats left the state to block a Republican-backed plan to redraw congressional maps — an effort encouraged by President Donald Trump — that could add as many as five new GOP-held US House seats. The move is seen as a way to bolster Republican control ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Last week, multiple attempts to reach a quorum failed, leaving the fate of the redistricting plan uncertain. With just days left in the special legislative session, Republicans may run out of time to pass the maps, potentially forcing Gov. Greg Abbott to call another session.

In an attempt to pressure Democrats, Abbott has asked the Texas Supreme Court to declare vacant the seat of House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu, who is among those who fled to Chicago. US Sen. John Cornyn said he has enlisted FBI Director Kash Patel to help state law enforcement track down absent lawmakers.

The Democrats also face mounting financial strain. They are being fined $500 per day for their absence and are barred from using campaign or official funds to pay the penalties. A Texas judge has also blocked former gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke’s political group from raising money for their travel expenses.

The standoff has sparked responses from Democratic-led states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has pledged to put a referendum on new congressional maps on the November ballot, potentially creating as many as five Democratic-leaning districts. State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas says the proposed maps will be released this week.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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